1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 665 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | S |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2870 mm |
